LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) — Shares of Regulus Therapeutics took it on
the chin Monday after the biopharmaceutical company reported spotty
results in tests for a drug designed to cure Hepatitis C with a single
dose.

Regulus
RGLS, +1.55%
shares dropped 10% to $15.15,
as it appeared its drug, now designated as RG-101, will have to be
accompanied by other treatments in many patients in order to cure
Hepatitis C.

The company said RG-101 appeared to wipe out traces of the disease in
four of 14 patients with a 2-milligram dose. This test was critical
because it showed the drug’s ability to keep Hepatitis C at bay for 85
days. Patients who show no signs of Hepatitis C after 84 days are
considered cured.